Surgical Technologist Salary in Chico, CA: $82,265 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Chico, CA earns a median $82,265/year (≈ $39.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Chico's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.2), that paycheck buys what $81,292 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $82,265 for surgical technologists in Chico, California, the region shows a competitive edge compared to the national average of $68,141. Salaries within the area range significantly, from $51,498 at the lower end (P10) to $105,727 at the higher end (P90), reflecting diverse opportunities depending on skills and certifications. This data is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) based on 2025 data, projected to 2026. The growing trend in robotic surgery certification can enhance earning potential, as surgical technologists with this specialization often receive higher pay in the Chico job market, which emphasizes advanced competencies and certifications, including the CST credential issued by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,498 | $24.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,203 | $32.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,265 | $39.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,125 | $50.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,727 | $50.83 |
Median Salary Position
20.73% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chico
In Chico, CA, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,229 (2026 est.). At $82,265, the local median is 20.73% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chico: You'd be above the median
How Chico Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Chico median: $82,265/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chico Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $85,072 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +20.73% more |
Surgical Technologists in Chico, CA earn a median of $82,265 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.73% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 3.30% below the California state average of $85,072.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chico has a cost of living 1.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chico, CA has a cost-of-living index of 101.197 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,265 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $81,292 — a 1.18% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$54,760
2025 BLS Actual
$78,050
2026 Current Est.
$82,265
2019–2027 Growth
+58.3%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,760 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,730 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,559 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,173 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,280 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,050 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,265 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,707 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chico metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 42.5% from $54,760 (2019) to $78,050 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,707 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,947 (58.34%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.40% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $51,498 – $67,203 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,203 – $82,265 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,265 – $104,125 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,125 – $105,727 |
Surg Tech, CST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual surgical technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in Chico
In Chico, there are currently 90 surgical technologists employed, which highlights a stable local job market for this profession. However, the cost of living index stands at 101.197, slightly above the national average, thereby influencing overall purchasing power for these professionals. Employers that tend to offer the highest salaries include hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and military surgical units, with the best pay often found in cardiovascular and neurosurgery specialties. The disparity in wages can be attributed to factors such as the demand for specific surgical skills, call coverage, and bonuses related to certification in robotic surgery. To maximize compensation, aspiring surgical technologists in Chico should consider obtaining certifications in high-demand specialties and pursue roles that include call coverage or surgical first assistant duties, while also exploring opportunities with travel surgical tech agencies that may offer competitive pay rates.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Chico, CA in 2026?
Is Chico, CA a good place to work as a surgical technologist?
Can surgical technologists make $100K in Chico?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Chico?
How much does a surgical technologist make per hour in Chico?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $78,050 for surgical technologistsin the Chico metropolitan area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.40%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov